Federal authorities say they foiled a chilling terror plot targeting Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn, preventing what investigators believe could have been one of the most devastating attacks on the nation’s capital in recent memory.

According to officials, five suspects are already in custody after the FBI uncovered a multi-phase attack plan that allegedly included explosive-laden drones, sniper teams, and an attempted assault on the White House itself.

The plot was reportedly aimed at the historic UFC event attended by President Donald Trump and thousands of supporters. Authorities say the attackers intended to use drones carrying explosives to strike buildings near the venue, creating chaos among attendees and forcing panicked crowds into predetermined kill zones where snipers would allegedly open fire.

Investigators say the operation did not stop there. Officials revealed that a “second wave” of attackers allegedly planned to exploit the confusion and attempt to breach the White House gates.

FBI Director Kash Patel credited law enforcement agencies for stopping the threat before it could be carried out.

The scheme was “stopped cold” on June 10 after investigators executed a search warrant in Cincinnati, where the first arrest was made.

Federal court documents identify California resident Michael Alan Thomas as one of the alleged organizers behind the operation.

According to an arrest affidavit, Thomas told investigators he believed the federal government is controlled by elites who sacrifice and eat children, had ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and are protected by President Trump.

Authorities say some members of the group traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or June 13 to conduct preparations for the planned attack.

The investigation uncovered extensive communications among the suspects. After examining an iPhone linked to one of the individuals, federal agents reportedly discovered at least 23 users participating in discussions on the encrypted messaging application Signal.

Investigators say those conversations included detailed planning for what could have become a catastrophic attack. Screenshots recovered by federal agents allegedly show maps of the UFC event being circulated among participants, along with discussions regarding potential sniper positions.

Law enforcement officials also recovered rifles and ammunition during the investigation.

According to the affidavit, one suspect told investigators that the goal of the operation was to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires” and politicians who had received support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC.

Sources familiar with the investigation told Fox News correspondent David Spunt that all five suspects currently in custody are American citizens. At this time, authorities say they have found no evidence suggesting any foreign involvement in the alleged plot.

Following the arrests, Patel praised the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team — we are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens — particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight,” Patel later wrote on X.

The UFC Freedom 250 event marked a major celebration coinciding with President Trump’s 80th birthday and drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including 1,200 active-duty military service members.

Officials estimate another 80,000 to 85,000 fans attended a ticketed watch party on the Ellipse south of the White House, while thousands more gathered on the National Mall to watch the event on giant screens.

The successful disruption of the alleged attack underscores the significant security challenges surrounding high-profile public events and highlights what officials describe as the vigilance of law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting both President Trump and the tens of thousands of Americans who attended the historic celebration.

A tragic accident at Edwards Air Force Base claimed the lives of eight Americans Monday when a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff during a routine test mission, according to military officials.

The aircraft went down at approximately 11:20 a.m. PDT while conducting a local test sortie connected to a radar modernization program. Witnesses reported seeing the bomber erupt in flames before a massive plume of black smoke rose into the sky above the Mojave Desert.

Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, but officials quickly determined that there were no survivors.

Speaking at a press conference, Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing, confirmed the devastating loss.

“Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a horrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said.

“This crash is deemed to be unsurvivable, and right now, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Hayes added.

Hayes also provided additional details regarding the mission.

“It was a B-52 that was on initial takeoff supporting the radar modernization program, which is a test; it was a local test sortie,” he explained.

According to officials, the crew included military personnel, civilian government employees, and contractors working on the modernization effort. Two Boeing employees were reportedly among those aboard the aircraft.

The loss sent shockwaves through the military community and prompted an outpouring of condolences from government leaders and defense officials across the country.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded on social media shortly after news of the crash became public.

“May GOD shepherd the souls of these incredible Americans — and watch over their families,” Hegseth wrote.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and unit members at this time. More information will be released as it becomes available,” Hegseth added.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink also expressed his sorrow over the tragedy.

“We mourn this loss and honor the service of our Airmen, civilians, and contractors who work every day to advance our mission,” Meink said. “My thoughts are with the bomber and test communities during this difficult time.”

The B-52 Stratofortress remains one of the most recognizable aircraft in American military history. First entering service in the 1950s, the bomber has served through multiple conflicts and remains a key component of America’s strategic deterrent capabilities. Despite its age, the aircraft continues to undergo modernization efforts intended to keep it operational for decades to come.

House Speaker Mike Johnson noted the aircraft’s significance to many military communities across the nation.

“The roar of a B-52 is a familiar sound to all of us in Bossier City, Shreveport, and the surrounding region, and reminds us daily of the courage and sacrifice of those in uniform,” Johnson posted.

“As more details emerge, we mourn alongside our military community and pray for the families, friends, and fellow service members grieving this devastating loss,” Johnson added.

The crash also caused damage to portions of the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, forcing officials to temporarily suspend flight operations while investigators and recovery crews secured the area.

Military officials have launched a formal accident investigation. While no cause has yet been identified, aviation experts note that test flights often involve unique operational conditions and that investigators will carefully examine aircraft systems, maintenance records, flight data, weather conditions, and crew communications.

Officials cautioned that a full investigation could take several months before definitive conclusions are reached.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom also extended condolences to the families of those lost while thanking first responders who responded to the scene.

Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were aboard the aircraft and said the company is fully cooperating with investigators.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm two Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are offering support,” Boeing said.

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined other leaders in honoring the victims.

“Susan and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of eight lives in the B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those lost, as well as the entire Edwards Air Force Base community. We honor their service to our nation and mourn their loss.”

As investigators work to determine what caused the accident, the nation is mourning the loss of eight Americans who were serving their country in support of a mission aimed at maintaining the technological edge of the U.S. military. Their sacrifice now becomes part of the long and storied history of Edwards Air Force Base, a location that has played a central role in some of America’s most important aviation achievements.

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing renewed scrutiny after a series of resurfaced social media posts revealed a pattern of inflammatory comments that critics say raise serious questions about his judgment, temperament, and fitness for public office.

The latest controversy involves a Reddit comment allegedly posted by Platner under the username “P-Hustle” in response to a story about a teenage girl who had attempted suicide following the death of a family member.

The original post featured a photograph showing a teenage girl hanging from an upper-story window while fellow students worked to pull her back to safety.

“A girl at my old high school tried jumping from a window because her cousin died the day before,” the caption read. “These students saved her. I have hope.”

According to screenshots that have circulated online, the account linked to Platner responded with a remark that many have described as shocking and insensitive.

“Someone clearly isn’t trying hard enough,” the account wrote.

The comment has generated widespread criticism and has become the latest addition to a growing list of controversial online statements tied to the Democratic candidate.

Platner, 41, has already faced mounting questions over other posts that surfaced during the campaign, including comments regarding Hamas, American military veterans, and sexually explicit remarks he allegedly made online over a number of years.

The latest revelations come as Republicans seek to portray Platner as an extreme and deeply flawed candidate heading into one of the most closely watched Senate races of the 2026 election cycle.

Another resurfaced post from 2021 involved a discussion about adult entertainers and military veterans. After another user suggested pornography performers should receive the same level of recognition often afforded to veterans, Platner reportedly replied with a crude joke.

“Thank you for your cervix,” he posted.

Additional reports indicate that Platner’s Kik messaging profile featured a partially nude photograph of himself, further fueling criticism surrounding his online conduct.

Maine House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham did not hold back in his assessment of the growing controversy.

“Graham Platner is clearly a person with deep and disturbing psychological issues that predate his military service and continue to this day,” Faulkingham told The Post.

The candidate has also come under scrutiny for a 2017 post involving a graphic comment about masturbation and portable toilets.

“I still have to jerk off every time I sit in a portashi–er….that blue water smell conditioned me,” the Democrat posted.

Perhaps even more controversial are comments Platner allegedly made regarding military combat footage and acts of terrorism.

One resurfaced post dates back to 2014 and involved footage shared on the Reddit forum r/combatfootage showing Hamas terrorists attacking Israeli soldiers and attempting to abduct one of them during a deadly encounter.

Using the P-Hustle account, Platner reportedly commented:

“Looks like an all around well executed and successful small unit raid to me.”

The remark has drawn criticism from supporters of Israel and national security advocates who argue that it appeared to praise a terrorist operation against Israeli troops.

Another resurfaced comment targeted Purple Heart recipient Pfc. Ted Daniels, whose combat footage became widely known after he survived being shot multiple times during a Taliban attack in Afghanistan.

Daniels was severely wounded but ultimately survived the engagement, earning recognition for his service and sacrifice.

In a 2019 discussion about the footage, Platner allegedly wrote:

“Dumb motherf–ker didn’t deserve to live. At least his stupidity and fat a– wheezing are available for all future infantrymen to witness and hold in contempt.”

The comments have generated outrage among veterans and military supporters, many of whom view the remarks as deeply disrespectful toward a wounded American servicemember.

The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for Platner’s campaign as he prepares to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. Democrats view the Maine race as one of their best opportunities to gain ground in the Senate, but the continued emergence of controversial online posts threatens to overshadow the campaign and provide Republicans with additional ammunition.

So far, the resurfaced comments have fueled broader questions about whether Platner’s online history reflects isolated incidents from years ago or reveals a consistent pattern of behavior that voters should consider before casting their ballots.

As the Senate race intensifies, it is likely that additional scrutiny will be directed toward Platner’s digital footprint, with both parties recognizing that the outcome in Maine could play a significant role in determining control of the U.S. Senate.